The region

Hall in Tirol

Hall boasts a wonderful ensemble of fine old buildings. It has one of the best-preserved historic town centres in Austria, which has been skilfully combined with modern architecture like the Salzlager building, the new UMIT University and Parkhotel. The town’s medieval core reflects Hall’s history as a wealthy city: In the Middle Ages, salt mining made Hall the economic center of North Tyrol. It also owed its affluence to the Tyrolean Mint, which was moved to Hall in the middle of the 15th century. Modern buildings like the Parkhotel built by Lois Welzenbacher and the annexe designed by Henke und Schreieck contribute to an exciting architectural dialogue between the old and the new. Many concerts organised by musik+ are held in the Salzlager. Originally a salt store, the building – adapted by Hanno Schlögl – has been used as a concert hall and venue for events since the middle of the 1990s. It boasts a striking columned hall with nine-metre-high pillars. St. Nicholas Parish Church is another fine location in Hall. The Gothic building with its Baroque interior has an unusual feature: When it was extended, the chancel became asymmetrical due to the lack of space. Other venues include the Salvatorkirche (privately owned since 1406) and the Herz-Jesu-Basilika (formerly Stiftskirche). www.hall-in-tirol.at


Innsbruck

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol, is a city of great diversity: In addition to its impressive buildings in architectural styles old and new, the city offers a wide range of sports and cultural attractions. No visit to Innsbruck is complete without seeing its landmark, the Golden Roof. The building also houses a museum devoted to Emperor Maximilian I, whose activities helped shape Innsbruck, his favourite city. For the Hofkirche he ordered his own cenotaph, which is surrounded by larger than life figures known as the “Black Men” (although he was not buried there but in Wiener Neustadt). The Triumphal Arch and Hofburg Imperial Palace are further reminders of the period of Habsburg rule. In the nearby cathedral hangs the famous painting of the Virgin as Mary of Succor by Lucas Cranach the Elder. What makes Innsbruck so special is its combination of culture and sport. In addition to numerous museums and art galleries great and small, the city has lots of cosy coffee houses plus an impressive annual calendar of cultural events, including Tyrol Easter Festival concerts held at Congress Innsbruck. www.innsbruck.at